–NY Mayor says, as Golden Arrowhead hoisted in New York in celebration of Guyana’s 59th Independence Anniversary 

CELEBRATING the diversity and cultural richness of the Guyanese Diaspora in New York, the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted alongside the Stars and Stripes on Friday to commemorate Guyana’s upcoming 59th Independence Anniversary.

During his remarks at the flag rising ceremony in Little Guyana, New York’s Mayor, Eric Adams, reflected on the diversity and the potential for greatness when different energies come together.

The Mayor emphasised the importance of not leaving one’s culture behind, and encouraged the infusion of cultural experiences into the city’s fabric.

He said: “When you bring all the energies together, it shows how we can produce a great product… we want you to infuse your culture with the experience here in 59 years of independence, it is an amazing opportunity to lift the flag.”

The Guyanese community is recognised as a vital entity, contributing to various sectors of the city, including healthcare, small businesses, education, law enforcement, and neighbourhoods.

“The immigrant community is a vital entity to this city and to this entire country. And when we raise your flags here, we state that we see you. We acknowledge you. We thank you for what you do. We see you in our hospitals, our small businesses, in our schools, our law enforcement community, we see you all throughout the neighbourhoods, as the poster behind me reflects how the Guyanese community, there’s Little Guyana throughout the entire city,” the New York official told the gathering.

Consul General of the Guyana Consulate in the US, Michael Brotherson, highlighted the nation’s progress under the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali-led regime.

“Today’s (Friday) event provides an appropriate opportunity for us to underscore the fact that Guyana is an exciting and alluring destination, and this is so because of the strides a nation is making and the development trajectory we are pursuing,” he said.

Brotherson pointed to Guyana’s economic growth, modernising infrastructure, and strong institutions, further highlighting the importance of bilateral relations between Guyana and the US based on shared democratic values.

“Development does not come without challenges. And the Government of Guyana continues to pursue the building of strong institutions and modernising infrastructure in its quest to realise its vision of a more prosperous Guyana for every Guyanese,” Brotherson said adding:

“The Guyanese diaspora in New York, the wider United States of America, and indeed worldwide, have earned the recognition and respect that are accorded to them for the meaningful contributions they’ve made and continue to make to their respective communities.”

The Guyanese diaspora in New York began to take shape in the late 1960s and 1970s, primarily with students attending technical or trade schools and tourists who eventually settled there.

The Richmond Hill neighbourhood in Queens emerged as the focal point of this community, becoming known as “Little Guyana.”

This area, spanning roughly from 104th to 130th Street along Liberty Avenue, developed a vibrant enclave characterised by Guyanese businesses, cultural institutions, and places of worship reflecting the community’s diverse ethnic and religious makeup, including Indo-Guyanese Hindus, Muslims, and Christian.